Why the NCAA Must Reform Eligibility Standards for Junior College Athletes

By Darryl Jacobs, ESPN & CBS Sports Networks  Analyst/Commentator

The landscape in college athletics has changed drastically with no turning back. 

These changes seem to benefit student-athletes attending four-year institutions monetarily, athletically, and academically. Imagine working twice as hard to prove yourself, only to be told the finish line has moved further away. 

That is true for thousands of junior college (JUCO) athletes striving to advance their academic and athletic careers. While they battle against additional odds (transfer portable, 4/4 transfers, NIL, roster size), the system that should uplift them continues to hold them back.

For years, the NCAA has maintained stringent and unfair transfer eligibility requirements for JUCO athletes compared to their counterparts at four-year institutions, particularly at the Division I level. 

But momentum for change is growing. 

Following my recent conversation with NJCAA CEO Dr. Christopher Parker and Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer Michelle Meadows, it’s clear that a crucial movement is underway-one that could reshape the future for countless student-athletes.

A System in Need of Change

Dr. Parker has been advocating for reform for the past seven years, tackling critical issues such as:

• JUCO athletes need a 2.5 GPA to transfer, while four-year transfers can qualify with as low as a 1.8 GPA.
• The lack of guaranteed scholarships for JUCO transfers creates instability compared to their four-year counterparts.
• The season of competition rule, where Division III and II schools align with the NJCAA’s policy, yet Division I refuses to comply.

These issues have gained the attention of key stakeholders, including the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), which has verbally supported the cause. 

Meanwhile, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) has yet to make a statement but is expected to address the matter soon.

Dr. Parker and Michelle Meadows confirmed that on March 17, the NJCAA met with the NCAA, indicating that the Division I Council would review their proposal. If vetted through the normal process, a decision could come as early as August 2026.

According to Meadows, time is of the essence—current JUCO athletes are feeling the impact. Those with GPAs below 2.5 struggle to secure recruitment opportunities, and those who have made it to the Division I level remain in limbo without scholarship guarantees.

Personal Connection

As a former JUCO athlete, college basketball head coach, and NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee member, I know firsthand the resilience and talent that JUCO athletes bring to the game. 

These young men and women deserve the same opportunities as any other college athlete.

Their journey is not one of privilege but of grit, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles. I have recruited JUCO athletes, coached them, and watched them flourish at the highest levels. Yet, the system continues to make it harder for them to succeed. 

Why should an athlete’s path to success be dictated by the type of school they attended first?

The Inequities: An Unfair Playing Field

The numbers speak for themselves:

• JUCO athletes must maintain a 2.5 GPA to transfer, while four-year athletes only need a 2.0.
• Non-qualifying JUCO athletes must graduate complete 48 transferable credit hours with a 2.5 GPA, while four-year transfers can regain eligibility with just 24 credit hours and a GPA as low as 1.8 in some cases.
• Scholarships for four-year transfers are often guaranteed, yet JUCO transfers receive no assurance.
• JUCO athletes who participate in more than two scrimmages can have it count as a season of competition, a rule that unfairly impacts their eligibility.

These inconsistencies convey the message that JUCO athletes’ hard work and achievements are less valuable than those of their four-year peers. That message is unacceptable.

A Growing Coalition for Reform

The NJCAA is not alone in this fight. 

Sixteen national coaches’ associations have called on the NCAA to reexamine these outdated policies. 

Their message is clear: “Student-athletes should not be punished or treated adversely because they have enrolled in a two-year institution before transferring to an NCAA institution.”

Dr. Parker and the NJCAA leadership are progressing, but it’s time for the NCAA to act decisively. The status quo is not sustainable, and delaying reform harms deserving athletes.

The Path Forward

The solution is simple:

• Align GPA requirements for JUCO and four-year transfers.
• Guarantee scholarships for JUCO athletes, just as they are for four-year transfers.
• Adjust season of participation/competition rules to ensure fair eligibility standards.

These changes would create fairness and reinforce the NCAA’s commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for all student-athletes.

A Call to Action

I stand with the NJCAA, the coaches’ associations, and every JUCO athlete fighting for a fair shot. The JUCO experience is a stepping stone, not a roadblock. These athletes have proven their commitment—now it’s time for the NCAA to prove theirs.

This is not just about policy. It’s about recognizing the value of every athlete’s journey, respecting their dedication, and ensuring they are given an equal playing field. The momentum is building, and the conversation is happening. 

But words are not enough—action is needed, and it is needed now.

The time for change is now. NCAA, make it happen!